December 22nd, 2024 – Two thieves out of five stole a bag from a sleeping 69-year-old man inside a subway and took the bag with them to another subway car.
The victim woke up and tried to get his bag back. During the struggle, a fight broke out, and the alleged four thieves were punching and grabbing the victim.
During the altercation, he reached into one of his bags and pulled out a knife. He stabbed two of the thieves, leaving one dead and another injured.
The prosecution said that the theft victim is homeless and isn’t facing any charges. The four men who survived from the group of five, Henry Toapanta, Oswalo Walter, Jose Valencia, and Philipe Pena, are charged with second-degree robbery and assault. Philipe Pena and Oswalo Walter are also charged with attempted gang assault.
